Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to refer to the statement made by Minister Goo Arlooktoo regarding the request for proposals for the Keewatin resupply. Mr. Speaker, I have some serious reservations regarding the Minister's statement as it relates to the Keewatin resupply committee's report, the committee that I chair, although, I do acknowledge the support the Minister gives to the committee for all their hard work.
Mr. Speaker, if the Minister of Public Works and Services is going to reference this report, he should do so in its entirety and not just single out one recommendation. Mr. Speaker, the committee's report stated the following: that the status quo would remain until 1999, regarding the resupply method, that we would work toward direct resupply. There will be full consultation to all the communities, a full environmental study would be completed and a cost benefit analysis. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, that there would be a moratorium placed on privatization of POL, if the direct resupply method were to move forward.
Mr. Speaker, there is fear and great concern with the manner in which this project is moving forward. For example, a surveyor showed up in Arviat, conducted some surveys, then responded back to the hamlet staff with the proposed new route. This route travels directly across a main char harvesting area and recreational area. This is not acceptable. Mr. Speaker, the hunters and trappers nor the full hamlet council were properly consulted regarding this issue and are quite concerned about the manner in which this project is being moved forward.
Mr. Speaker, we see a situation where either poor consultation or no consultation is taking place regarding issues that effect the Keewatin people. The people of Arviat, the Hamlet of Arviat, Baker Lake and the Keewatin Chamber of Commerce are rejecting this proposal at this time for obvious reasons. This proposal should not move forward until the results of the hydrographic mapping are analyzed and a full report presented to all affected parties. Also, that a full environmental risk analysis be conducted. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.